The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group (ADSG), has announced the dates for its 7th Annual Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum, which will be taking place from the 23-24 November 2021.
The theme of the forum will highlight the UAE’s Golden Jubilee,placing focus on the importance of collaborations and partnerships and working together for the next 50 years and beyond. In alignment with the leadership of the government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum, 2021, will also explore the key areas under the theme of ‘transitioning to the future today.’
The theme is in alignment with the importance of ensuring global warming remains at 1.5°C, requiring unparalleled and immediate transformation from businesses across all industries. With increased global interest and demand from investors who are seeking to support sustainable businesses, the need for improved performance, transparency and accounting for impacts on nature and the community has never been greater.
In terms of global emissions, 2019 and 2020 saw a huge leap forward as emissions dropped to record lows due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.However, as the world slowly returns to a post-pandemic environment, the urgent need for transformational change on a global scale is undeniable.
In the UAE and across the world, the public, and in particular investors, are increasingly prioritising sustainability and are demanding that companies provide detailed environmental, social and governance information through specialised reports. Investors are also demanding more transparency and action on climate related risks. The forum will help support this momentum for the transition to the future of today, by focusing on sustainability leadership, strategy and management practices.
The forum will bring together sustainability thought leaders and practitioners who will explore the theme through a series of plenary sessions designed to drive the sustainability agenda forward. Taking place online over two days, the event will provide practical insights and engagement and will provide businesses with insights that can help them accelerate their sustainability plans and results.
Commenting on the occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi said: ‘‘The flagship event, the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum, is unique in how it is developed in collaboration, engagement, and input from the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group’s members. It brings people together, from experts, practitioners, thought leaders and change agents. People from diverse backgrounds are coming together to help transform how business impacts the community and our environment. It is people like us, every single one of us who will help make a sustainable future for humanity. We can achieve this through collaboration, transparency, and commitment.
‘‘The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is proud to bring this forum to our stakeholders in Abu Dhabi and around the world. Protecting our planet is down to us. We are accountable.’’
Speaking ahead of the online forum, Mr. Obaid Al Dhaheri, CEO, Dolphin Energy, said:“The theme of this year’s forum places firm emphasis on the need for immediate action. By convening thought leaders and experts for this event, my hope is that we develop solutions and collaborate in new innovative ways. Energy transition and decarbonization are gathering pace and the UAE is driving efforts to deliver meaningful change and long-term sustainable development.”
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As the UAE’s flag carrier, Etihad is committed to sustainable development in aviation in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision and commitment to the reduction of Carbon Emissions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The work the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Business Leadership Forum is doing will play a critical role in enabling the safe and sustainable growth of organisations cross the UAE for year to come.”
Also speaking ahead of the upcoming event, Huda Al Houqani, ADSG Director, said: “Returning to business as usual is no longer an acceptable option- we need to redefine how we work in order to minimize our impacts on nature, and to support our communities and economies in a holistic manner. The forum is our flagship annual event, and it is a privilege to work with our sponsors, members and stakeholders on the critical issues and risks that businesses face today, as we collaborate and champion sustainable business practices.”
The forum aims to promote and support sustainability across the region by sharing knowledge on how the integration of sustainability ethos’ and actions into corporate decision-making processes can help build a stable economy and a more sustainable future.
The forum is supported by the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) with special thanks and recognition to the event lead sponsor, Dolphin Energy, and the official airline carrier Etihad Airways who have supported this event since its inception in 2015. Their leadership, support and collaboration has been instrumental in delivering this event.
Over 300 representatives from corporations, government, NGOs, and academia will be attending, providing excellent networking and the opportunity to promote and improve sustainability practices across their respective organizations.
The ADSG will publish the full programme, including a complete list of speakers, topics, and activities planned for the 2021 forum in late October, which will is opento the public. For more information, please contact ADSG on ADSGForum@adsg.ae.